- Conference
- 2009 National Black Members' Conference
- Date
- 16 September 2008
- Decision
- Carried as Amended
Conference notes
that in 2007 the National Autistic Society (NAS) published its report containing the largest ever survey conducted into autism and education in the UK. The report highlighted the lack of provision and training for teachers dealing with autism in general, including families struggling to access support for their children. This was consistently worse for Black families. 31% of Black families felt they had a choice of schools for their child whist other Black families struggled to find suitable schools.
It is estimated that there is 11,000 Black Children with autism in the UK. Unfortunately children with autism experience disproportionate discrimination and disadvantage. Subsequently 41% of Black autistic children were bullied at school and deemed to be easy targets when it came to handing out punishment.
Children with autism are often missing out on support at an early age, this can have significant consequences on the development of a child. Particularly in instances were families are in denial, there is a cultural taboo or the feeling of being ashamed by the fact that a child has autism. Therefore more work needs to be done with families to help them recognise the early signs of autism. Also service providers should have a cultural awareness to prevent incorrect diagnosis of children and ensure that the right support is provided.
Conference, therefore instructs the National Black Members Committee (NBMC) to work with the National Executive Council and all relevant organisations:
1.To raise an awareness of the lack of services to Black autistic children;
2.Lobby UK Government to develop culturally specific services to meet the needs of Black Children with autism;
3.To work with the National Health Service Group Executive and the Education Workforce Unit to campaign for better access to educational provisions/guidance for parents with autistic children, to be produced in a variety of different languages and formats.